Soccer ball - The art of paper folding kicked off in Japan in the early 17th century. But there is evidence that the craft was being practiced in China during the Song Dynasty (960 to 1279 CE). (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Origami tessellation - A branch of the paper folding technique where pleats are used to connect things like twist folds together in a repeating fashion. The results can be quite startling. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

Bull - Bull Tōgyū, also known as ushi-zumo or Bull sumo, is a spectator sport native to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. It's a competition of strength and endurance between two bulls, and no blood is spilled. This origami bull is made using the wet-folding technique. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY 2.0)

Symbol of protest - Yellow origami umbrellas affixed to the railings outside the Hong Kong Economic and Trade office in London during October 2014, when protesters gathered in solidarity with Hong Kong demonstrators in Parliament Square. No such symbolism has been seen during the 2019 protests.

Disney - A giant origami sculpture of the Disneyland Paris Sleeping Beauty Castle is unveiled at St Pancras International railway station in London to celebrate the Disneyland Paris 20th anniversary in 2012.

Frog - The word "frog" in Japanese means "return," which is why the amphibian is considered a Japanese lucky animal and seen as good fortune in regards to things returning. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

Kirigami - Kirigami is a Japanese term for paper cutting. Cutting was often used in traditional Japanese origami, but modern innovations in technique have made the use of cuts unnecessary. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

Discover origami, the ancient art of paper folding

Incredible works of art created from paper

Origami is the art of paper folding. Originating in China and Japan—but especially associated with the land of the rising sun—this ancient craft transforms a flat square piece of paper into a finished sculpture. These range from simple designs to beautiful and complex ornaments.

Browse the gallery and enter the fold by admiring these extraordinary and delicate works of art.